Definition

In a way that is smooth and connected, especially in music, where notes are played or sung without any breaks between them.

Example

The pianist played the piece legato, allowing the notes to flow seamlessly into one another.

Conversation

I really loved the way that musician played the piece.

Yeah, the way he used legato made it sound so smooth.

Exactly! It felt like the notes were flowing into each other.

Totally! It really brought out the emotion in the music.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

In a smooth and connected manner, without any breaks between the sounds or notes, often used in music to indicate how to play or sing.

Example

The musician played the piece legato, allowing the notes to flow seamlessly into one another.

Conversation

I heard you played that new piece on the piano.

Yeah, I tried to play it legato to make it sound smooth.

It really worked! I loved how fluid it was.

Definition

A style of playing or singing music smoothly and connectedly, without any breaks between the notes.

Example

The pianist played the piece in a legato style, making the notes flow seamlessly together.

Conversation

Have you ever tried playing a piece in legato?

Not really, but I've heard it sounds so smooth and beautiful.

Yeah, it really helps create a flowing sound in the music.

Root Explanation

Legato is derived from the Italian word 'legato', which means tied or bound. This term comes from the Latin 'ligare' (meaning to bind or tie). The word 'legato' in music refers to a style of playing or singing that is smooth and connected, as if the notes are tied together.

Memory Tip

Think of the Italian word 'legato' meaning tied or bound, which helps you remember that in music, legato means to play notes smoothly and connected, as if they are tied together.

Visually Confused Words